Cars after 1950 - Modern Times
Porsche 908 LH
1968
Code 1201
Body style: coupé
This Porsche 908 seems light years ahead of the VW Beetle designed by Ferdinand Porsche in the pre-war years. However, the famous racers made by the Stuttgart firm are all direct descendents of the Beetle. It was a coupé version of the Bug that inspired Ferry Porsche, son of Ferdinand, to develop his line of sports cars. The four-cylinder flat engine was transformed into a formidable 8-cylinder with four overhead camshafts, delivering close to 350 horsepower.
Porsche holds the record for entries and wins in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The make has entered the race consistently since 1950. Porsche initially scored wins in individual classes or categories but it wasn’t until 1970 that Hermann and Atwood won the ultimate prize, driving a 917. The following year, Hermann drove a 908 similar to this one, in an incredible battle with Jacky Ickx’s Ford, with the slightest of margins of victory for the Ford - merely 120 m after 24 hours of breakneck racing.
The 908 on display at the Cité de l’Automobile took third place in 1968 and 1972, and also featured in the movie “Le Mans” with Steve McQueen.
